Time is running out for Tools for School donations

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is currently collecting school supplies for local children from low-income families.

The deadline to contribute to the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services' Tools for School program is August 18. Area residents can help young students whose families are experiencing financial difficulties begin the academic school year with new school supplies in three ways:

 Sponsor a child by calling 751-4398. Sponsors will be provided the first name of a child, his or her school supply list and instructions on how to return their donation.

 Donate a gift card. Purchase a $20 gift card from any store that sells school supplies

and mail it to Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, P.O. Box 430, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

 Donate money - Monetary contributions will be used to buy gift cards for students who aren't sponsored. Checks should be made payable to Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS and mailed to the address mentioned above. Please write "school supplies" in the memo line of the check.

About 600 children are expected to need assistance from the Tools for School program this year. For more information, call 7514398.